Maschinenmensch

Mission

Where critical need meets innovative design, Maschinenmensch develops robotic systems that extend human awareness and geographic understanding. We employ robotic solutions that not only leverage existing, accessible technology but also innovative, novel solutions in order to survey, search and discover. And while robots can act autonomously, they are an extension of our bodies and senses, enabling enhanced mapping, rescuing and discovery. Maschinenmensch is design focused, developing for task at hand along with natural human interaction,  understanding and accessibility.

At Maschinenmensch, we’re pioneering the frontier of geospatial robotics, offering cutting-edge solutions in industries like offshore industries, renewables, seasteading, first responder, firefighting, resource management, and research sectors. Our innovative robotic systems are designed to extend human capabilities, enabling enhanced geographic awareness and operational efficiency. Specializing in advanced mapping, search and rescue services, our robots act as extensions of human senses, navigating autonomously yet integrally, to support critical missions in challenging environments. We’re committed to merging design with functionality, ensuring our robots are not just tools, but partners in exploration and safety.

Going where we can’t go, seeing what we can’t see, longer, faster, safer on land, in the sea and in the air. Robotics enhance the speed and safety of documentation, reconnaissance, exploration and mapping across a variety of applications including environmental monitoring, cinematography, site surveying, photogrammetry, search & rescue, site surveying and of course much more. The sensors and computer platforms are smaller and faster than every before.  Transportation platforms have become more compact and more powerful. Robotics are now and here to stay. And alongside thoughtful design and utilization, the possibilities are endless.

Founder Christopher Auger-Dominguez brings cutting edge experience in product design in the drone and robotic industry as well as in photography, remote sensing and geography. Drones and robotics provide a unique junction for Christopher’s background,  an obvious evolution in Christopher’s career track arching from cartography and geography at Texas A&M University to a photography studio in New York City to product marketing in Los Angeles to tinkering and inventing in Silicon Valley.  And now, combining these skills inspired by the Maker spirit and tech entrepreneurship, Christopher started Maschinenmensch as an innovative approach to robotic design that bridges the gap between machine and human.

Christopher Auger-Dominguez

With each project, Christopher leads a team of skilled and innovative engineers and programmers. Believing in the power of a great team, Maschinenmensch puts together specialized technicians resolved to answer each need and challenge with creativity and precision. And with every unique application and user, we design each solution catered to that client while keeping an eye on producing quality data and imagery how you want it, when you need it.

Our name, steeped in a rich historical and cultural tapestry, encapsulates our mission: to harmonize the capabilities of machines with the highest human values. “Maschinenmensch” is a German term that translates to “machine-human” in English. The term was inspired by and is associated with  the iconic character Maria from the 1927 German expressionist science-fiction film “Metropolis,” directed by Fritz Lang. In the film, Maria is transformed into a robotic double, a Maschinenmensch, which represents one of the earliest and most influential depictions of a robot in cinema. The Maschinenmensch character in “Metropolis” reflects the cultural and technological anxieties of the time, juxtaposing the fear of losing human qualities and autonomy against the backdrop of rapidly advancing industrialization and mechanization. The Maschinenmensch has become a symbol of the blending of human and machine, often used to explore themes of identity, humanity, and the implications of technological progress on society.

Our inspiration draws not only from visions of the future but also from the very core of human decency as captured by the Yiddish term “Mensch.” In Yiddish culture, being a “Mensch” means much more than simply being human; it signifies a person of integrity, honor, and an unwavering commitment to doing good. It is this blend of technological ambition and ethical grounding that forms the foundation of Maschinenmensch.

At Maschinenmensch, we pioneer robotics technologies designed to enrich lives, foster societal well-being, and propel humanity forward. Our commitment transcends mere innovation; we strive to embed the essence of being a “Mensch” into the fabric of our creations. We believe that the future of robotics should not only enhance human capabilities but do so with a conscience, embodying qualities of decency, responsibility, and respect for the global community.

Our portfolio is a testament to this philosophy, featuring robotics solutions that aim to solve real-world challenges, enhance accessibility, and promote sustainable practices. From healthcare to education, environmental conservation to disaster response, our technologies are built to serve humanity, reflecting our vision of a future where machines and humans work in harmony for the greater good.

Maschinenmensch is more than a company; it’s a movement towards a future where technology amplifies the best of what it means to be human. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we navigate the exciting confluence of human values and robotic potential, crafting a world where every innovation is a step towards a better tomorrow.

At Maschinenmensch, sustainability isn’t just an option—it’s at the core of our philosophy. We firmly believe that advancing technology should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. It is a commitment that echoes through all aspects of our operations and forms a critical part of our company ethos.

Sustainable Innovation
Our approach to innovation is intertwined with sustainability. We strive to create products and services that not only harness the power of technology but also promote sustainable practices. From the energy-efficient design of our autonomous underwater vehicles to our commitment to developing products that minimize environmental impact, we place the planet at the forefront of our creative process.

Supporting Sustainable Development
Information is a powerful tool in the pursuit of sustainability. We are dedicated to supporting projects that gather essential data to inform and advance sustainable human development. Our technology aids in mapping and understanding the oceans, uncovering insights that can help us manage resources more sustainably, and protect the ecosystems that provide the foundation of our planet’s health.

Sustainable Supply Chain
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our products. We understand that every choice we make, down to the smallest component, has an impact. Therefore, we prioritize sustainable supply chain practices, ensuring that our materials are sourced responsibly and have minimal environmental footprint.

We’re not only committed to selecting suppliers who share our dedication to sustainability but also aim to influence the supply chain positively. We continually evaluate our suppliers based on their environmental policies and practices, encouraging a ripple effect of sustainability throughout our network.

The Future is Green
At Maschinenmensch, we don’t just want to design the future; we want to ensure that it’s a future worth living in. Sustainability is not just an add-on to our business model; it’s an integral part of how we think, plan, and operate. We’re excited to lead the way in green robotics, promoting the coexistence of innovative technology and environmental stewardship. By aligning our business strategies with sustainable practices, we aim to make a positive impact on our planet, today and for generations to come.

At Maschinenmensch, we fundamentally believe that diversity sparks innovation, fosters creativity, and propels us towards more comprehensive solutions. We are wholeheartedly committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our operation.

Our company, indeed our society, thrives when we embrace the varied experiences, skills, perspectives, and backgrounds of a diverse workforce. It’s this diversity that helps us see the challenges and opportunities from different angles, leading to more robust, sophisticated, and globally-minded robotic solutions.

We also recognize that inclusion is a critical component of diversity. We’re not just about assembling a diverse team, but also about creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and heard. We aim to foster a culture where everyone can contribute their best work, develop their potential, and feel a sense of belonging.

Equity, too, plays a significant role in our commitment. We are dedicated to maintaining a fair and respectful environment, where opportunities and resources are distributed based on merit and need, allowing every individual to reach their full potential.

Our commitment to DEI extends beyond our own team to the communities and industries we serve. We strive to work with a diverse range of partners, suppliers, and customers, fostering greater inclusivity within the broader tech and robotics industry.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not a static goal, but an ongoing journey. We continually reevaluate our strategies and actions, learning, adapting, and improving to make Maschinenmensch a place where everyone can thrive. We believe that together, we can build a robotics industry that is innovative, equitable, inclusive, and representative of the world in which we live.